He expanded “There was a time when all my friends would come round and take pictures with it. I think someone might have [taken it]. It’s probably round one of my friends’ houses.”
The insights came as James spoke with host Chris Difford – a founding member of the band Squeeze – for the latest episode in a new, fifth series of the podcast I Never Thought It Would Happen, from the charity Help Musicians.
The hitmaker speaks movingly about single parenthood and bringing his children (Elsie, born 2008 and Ada Rose, born 2018) on tour with him
He explains: “It is definitely something new I am dealing with – I used to spend a lot of time on my own. But I am glad to bring my kids on tour. It’s more stressful – your days off are not days off. I am doing it on my own now, so I don’t have a choice.”
He expands: “I’ve always wanted to be that guy that brings all their kids on tour… But I’m just glad I’m in the position I’m in and able to bring them out – they can enjoy the gigs, meet people, and it’s a good confidence builder for them too.”
His eldest daughter Elsie, now nearly 16, has even become a mentor of sorts to him – reminding him of his achievements and performing her own gigs. “She’ll tell me things I need to hear, like ‘look at what you’ve done, Dad.’”
He also discussed the difficulties of lockdown, describing it as a ‘wake-up call’ for the music industry. He recalled people he has toured with – but declined to name – who were even forced to take delivery jobs when touring stopped.
He said: “Friends I’d known from touring had to start doing delivery driving. It was a wake-up call to everyone about how difficult it is, especially if you’re a young musician who hasn’t made it yet.”
Morrison also reflects on how music consumption has changed, admitting he’s never fully adjusted to the streaming era. “It was much better when it wasn’t streaming platforms and it was people buying the records,” he says. He adds that live performance remains the driving force behind his career: “I never get tired of playing live. I never get tired of making stuff up and seeing where I can go with it.”
Morrison also shares career highlights including co-writing with Paul Weller – “a moment in my life I never thought would happen”. Reflecting on the experience of winning awards, he adds: “As I’ve got older, the emphasis on those sort of things aren’t really in my peripheral anymore. If I’ve made an album I’m proud of, that’s enough for me now.”
The singer has been teasing new music on his Instagram ahead of Fight Another Day’s October release, which will mark the next chapter in a career spanning nearly two decades.
The revealing podcast series from Help Musicians is presented by one of the charity’s ambassadors, Chris Difford, and has previously featured many big names, from legendary artists like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sting, James Blunt and Robbie Williams through to contemporary stars like Olivia Dean and Yungblud.
“James’ honesty in this episode is powerful – from the highs of co-writing with Paul Weller to the challenges of fatherhood and touring life. That kind of openness is what makes these conversations so special.”
Help Musicians is a charity that loves music so it supports musicians across the UK in times of crisis and opportunity. In a precarious profession often filled with ups and downs, opportunities are Chris Difford, Help Musicians ambassador and founding member and songwriter of Squeezehard-won whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues. The charity offers a broad range of help to support music creators – ensuring musicians across the UK can achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.
Find out more about Help Musicians’ services, or to make a donation to support its work, on the website www.helpmusicians.org.uk
The full podcast episode is available to listen to at all the major podcast providers now, with further episodes being released weekly.
‘I Never Thought It Would Happen’ is made by Gimme Sugar Productions for Help Musicians.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.music-news.com ’
